UPES Redefines Higher Education as an ‘AI-First’ University; Strengthens Focus on Tech-Driven Learning for Telangana Students
Hyderabad : UPES Dehradun, a leading multidisciplinary and research university in India, today detailed its transition into an ‘AI-First’ university at an event in Hyderabad. UPES elaborated on its vision as the ‘University of Tomorrow’ built around AI integration, deep industry collaboration, research strength and career outcomes in every student’s learning journey. Additionally, UPES presented how advances in artificial intelligence, changing hiring patterns and rising demand for technology-led education are reshaping what students now expect from higher education.
In a landmark first for Indian higher education, UPES has deployed ChatGPT Edu across its entire campus in collaboration with OpenAI. This integration provides governed and free access to advanced AI tools for all 19100+ students and 1500+ faculty members, embedding AI literacy as a default foundation across all disciplines, designed to elevate outcomes across teaching, learning, research and student experience. This means working natively within the same AI environment that is reshaping the global industry from day one of their degree. This represents a transformational shift in the way higher education is delivered across the country.
This academic shift comes at a time when technology education demand is surging even as workforce disruption is accelerating. In Telangana, in the TG EAPCET 2025, Computer Science and IT-related courses recorded a 91% seat allotment (59,819 seats), the highest across disciplines, driven by growing interest in areas such as AI, IoT and cybersecurity. In 2025–26 alone, the state offered more than 12,000 seats in AI & ML and over 26,000 seats in Computer Science and Engineering, underlining the scale of demand for future-facing technology education.
Yet demand without quality outcomes is insufficient. The India Skills Report 2026 reports national employability at just 56.35%, while 86% of Indian professionals report AI-driven disruption in their workplaces. Together, these trends underline a widening gap between what students choose, what the economy demands, and how prepared many graduates remain — a gap UPES is seeking to address through an AI-First, industry-aligned academic model.
In response, UPES continues to strengthen its academic model by integrating technology, industry collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning to align with the needs of a rapidly evolving global workforce. This high demand for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) courses in Telangana aligns with the university’s School of Advanced Engineering and School of Computer Science, which now offer over 30 AI-integrated programs, with AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud, full stack, IoT and graphics and Gaming specialisations. This academic rigor is supported by a high-output research ecosystem, with 50+ UPES faculty members recognised among the top 2% of researchers worldwide according to Stanford University’s prestigious list.
UPES highlighted a robust ecosystem of collaborations to equip students with skills aligned to evolving job market demands and address critical capability gaps. The university has maintained a decade-long partnership with IBM and And several other partners like AWS, Cisco, Xebia and Google GDG, through which specialised co-branded programs bring practitioner-led expertise directly into the curriculum. Recently, it has also established the BEST (Bajaj Engineering Skills Training) Centre in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, providing students with hands-on exposure to mechatronics, robotics, automation and Industry 4.0. Further strengthening this industry-linked academic model, UPES works with EY India and KPMG India to offer co-designed, co-created and co-delivered undergraduate and postgraduate programs that combine academic rigor with industry-specific inputs and certifications.
Dr. Jayasankar Variyar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UPES, said: “The future of education requires not just updated curricula, but a fundamental shift in how students engage with technology, industry, and problem-solving. We are purposefully architecting an institution where AI is woven into the fabric of every student’s journey. Our AI-first approach, combined with deep industry partnerships, is designed to ensure that students graduate with the skills, adaptability, and confidence needed to navigate a rapidly evolving professional landscape.”
Mr. Rajiv Nandwani, Senior Director, School of Computer Science, UPES, said: “Students today are increasingly focused on the tangible outcomes of their higher education choices. They are drawn to programs that seamlessly blend strong academic depth with real-world relevance, particularly in areas such as AI, data science, cybersecurity, and emerging technology-led business domains. At UPES, we have built a future-ready ecosystem that brings together deep industry engagement, cutting-edge technologies, and interdisciplinary learning to shape meaningful career trajectories. This vision is gaining strong traction in key regions like Hyderabad, reflected in rising student enrolments and the growing interest of accomplished faculty in joining UPES. We remain committed to consistently delivering outcomes that live up to this trust.”
UPES has secured the No. 1 rank among private universities in academic reputation in India as per the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing in the 501–600 band globally. Nationally, it is ranked 45th in the NIRF 2025 University category, with its engineering programs ranked 43rd in the country. These rankings are supported by a 100% placement record over the last five years. In the 2024–25 cycle, the university saw participation from over 800 recruiters, with the highest CTC reaching INR 52 LPA.
